Drive over conveyor pit assembly

ABSTRACT

A drive over conveyor pit assembly includes a mainframe including a grain pit located between and adjacent a plurality of drive over sections. Attached to the mainframe are a plurality of entrance ramps and a pair of exit ramps. Each ramp is pivotably attached to an end of the drive over sections. The drive over conveyor pit assembly includes a drive over pit coupled to a grain conveyor in such a configuration to be transported with the main grain conveyor by a single tow vehicle. The assembly includes a drive over conveyor pit hydraulically positioned for transportation.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/092,290 filed Mar. 6, 2002.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates generally to movement of grain, and morespecifically to, an apparatus and method for movement of grain fortransportation and storage.

[0003] Common fixtures for storing grain include grain silos and grainbins. Once the grain is harvested, the grain is moved from the field tothe grain bin in a truck or hopper bottom trailer. The most common augerconfiguration includes a main auger positioned at an incline, attachedto the hitch of a tractor at the lower end and the upper end discharginginto the grain storage fixture. Along with the main auger, anothershorter auger is attached to a swing away hopper that is positionedbehind the truck or under the hopper bottom trailer. A discharge end ofthe short auger is attached at an inlet of the main auger. However theswing away hoppers have some disadvantages. For example, some knownswing away hoppers require the wheels of the bottom hopper trailer topass by, then the hopper and short auger combination is manuallypositioned under the hopper bottom trailer. In such a configuration,there can be a number of iterations of trailer, hopper and augermovement before positioning is correct to begin movement of grain fromthe trailer to the grain silo or bin.

[0004] Some drive over conveyor pits which incorporate frame and rampassemblies are known. However these drive over pits have a disadvantagein that manual adjustment is required to raise and lower the frame andramp assembly with respect to the ground. Another major disadvantage isthat some drive over conveyor pits require an additional tractor ortransport vehicle to move the pit from one location to another. Onevehicle for the main incline auger and another for the drive over pit.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] In one embodiment, a drive over conveyor pit is provided whichcomprises a mainframe which further comprises a grain pit locatedbetween and adjacent to a plurality of drive over sections. The driveover conveyor pit further comprises a plurality of entrance rampspivotably attached to a first end of each of the drive over sections anda plurality of exit ramps pivotably attached to a second end of each ofthe drive over sections. Further, a hydraulic front lift assembly isattached to a front of the mainframe, and a hydraulic rear lift assemblyis attached to a rear of the mainframe.

[0006] In another embodiment, a hydraulic lift assembly for a drive overconveyor pit is provided. The assembly comprises a plurality of axleframes configured to be pivotably mounted to the drive over conveyor pitand a plurality of caster wheel assemblies configured to be rotatablymounted to the axle frames, one caster wheel assembly per axle frame.The assembly further comprises a plurality of tires configured to bemounted to the caster wheel assemblies and a hydraulic piston systemcomprising at least one hydraulic piston. The system is attached to theaxle frames and configured to cause the drive over conveyor pit to beraised and lowered through extension and retraction of the piston,extension and retraction of the piston causing the axle frames to pivotat the mounting to the pit.

[0007] In still another embodiment, a grain transfer system is providedwhich comprises a drive over conveyor pit and a grain auger. The grainauger includes a feed chute. The drive over conveyor pit comprises amainframe comprising a grain pit located between and adjacent to aplurality of drive over sections, and entrance and exit ramps pivotablyattached to the drive over sections. A front of the mainframe isconfigured for mechanical attachment to the feed chute. The drive overconveyor pit comprises a hydraulic front lift assembly attached to thefront of the mainframe and a hydraulic rear lift assembly attached to arear of the mainframe.

[0008] In yet another embodiment, a grain transfer system comprises adrive over conveyor pit and a grain auger comprising a feed chute. Thedrive over pit comprises a grain pit located between and adjacent to aplurality of drive over sections and entrance and exit ramps pivotablyattached to the drive over sections. The grain transfer system furthercomprises a mechanical linkage intermediate the auger and a dischargeend of the feed chute. The feed chute is mechanically attached to thedrive over conveyor pit and the mechanical linkage is configured toraise the feed chute and the drive over conveyor pit above a portion ofthe grain auger for transport.

[0009] In a further embodiment, a front lift assembly for a drive overconveyor pit is provided. The assembly comprises an axle assembly, acylinder linkage attachment, and a hydraulic cylinder extending betweenand attached to the axle assembly and the cylinder linkage attachment. Atransition housing is configured to be attached to a mainframe of thedrive over conveyor pit and a plurality of caster wheel assemblies,having tires mounted thereon are configured to be rotatably mounted tothe ends of the axle assembly. The front lift assembly further comprisesa plurality of linkage arms that are pivotably attached to the axleassembly and the transition housing. At least one of the linkage arms isalso attached to the cylinder linkage attachment. In operation,retracting the hydraulic cylinder causes a distance between the axleassembly and the cylinder linkage attachment to decrease due to thepivoting of the linkage arms, causing the mainframe to lower withrespect to the tires. Extending the hydraulic cylinder causes a distancebetween the axle assembly and the cylinder linkage attachment toincrease due to the pivoting of the linkage arms, causing the mainframeto rise with respect to the tires.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010]FIG. 1 is a partially assembled view of a drive over conveyor pit.

[0011]FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a front lift assembly.

[0012]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a portion of the front liftassembly of FIG. 2 in a extended position.

[0013]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the portion of the front liftassembly of FIG. 2 in a retracted position.

[0014]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a rear lift assembly.

[0015]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a drive over conveyor pit in alowered position.

[0016]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another drive over conveyor pit.

[0017]FIG. 8 is an exploded view of a front lift assembly for the driveover conveyor pit of FIG. 7.

[0018]FIG. 9 is a side view of the drive over conveyor pit of FIG. 7 ina lowered position.

[0019]FIG. 10 is a side view of the drive over conveyor pit of FIG. 7 ina raised position.

[0020]FIG. 11 is a rear view of a grain transfer system.

[0021]FIG. 12 is a view of the grain transfer system of FIG. 11 in anoperating position at a grain bin.

[0022]FIG. 13 is a view of another grain transfer system.

[0023]FIG. 14 is a view of the grain transfer system of FIG. 13 showinga drive over conveyor pit positioned above a portion of a grain auger.

[0024]FIG. 15 is a view illustrating operation of mechanical linkage inregard to movement of a drive over conveyor pit.

[0025]FIG. 16 is a side view of a drive over conveyor pit illustrating ahitching mechanism.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026]FIG. 1 is a partially assembled view of one embodiment of a driveover conveyor pit 10. Pit 10 includes a mainframe 12 which includes agrain pit 14 located between and adjacent to drive over sections 16. Apair of entrance ramps 18 are pivotably attached to a first end 20 ofeach of drive over sections 16. A pair of exit ramps 22 are pivotablyattached to a second end 24 of each of drive over sections 16.

[0027] At a front end 26 of mainframe 12, a transition housing 28 isattached. A hydraulic front lift assembly 30 (hydraulics not shown inFIG. 1) is attached to transition housing 28. A hydraulic rear liftassembly 32 is attached to a rear end 34 of mainframe 12. Transportbraces 36 are configured to attach to and retain ramps 18 and 22 in alifted position for transport.

[0028]FIG. 2 is an exploded view of front lift assembly 30, transitionhousing 28 and mainframe front 26. Transition housing 28 is configuredto be connected with mainframe front 26 through flanges 50. In oneembodiment, transition housing 28 is bolted to mainframe 26. In analternative embodiment, transition housing 28 is welded to mainframe 26.

[0029] Front lift assembly 30 is attached to transition housing 28 andincludes a right axle frame 60, a caster wheel assembly 62, and a tire64. Assembly 30 further includes a left axle frame 66, a caster wheelassembly 62, and a tire 64. Right axle frame 60 and left axle frame 66are attached to transition housing 28, in one embodiment, using pivotpins 68 which are inserted through a sleeve 70 located on a first end ofaxle subframe 84 and an attachment member on an end of each of rightaxle frame 60 and left axle frame 66. Tires 64 are attached to wheelforks 62 as known in the art. Caster wheel assemblies 62 include amounting pin 74 which is inserted into a sleeve 76 at an end of axleframes 60 and 66 opposite the end which includes sleeve 70. Pin 74 andsleeve 76 from a freely rotating, or pivoting, coupling. Pin 68 andsleeve 70 and attachment member 72 also from a pivoting coupling. Thetwo couplings allow mainframe 12 to be lowered to the ground and tires64 to be lifted and moved away from mainframe 12 using hydraulics asexplained below. Connection of transition housing 28 to mainframe front26 aligns housing plate 78 with grain feed holes 80. When drive overconveyor pit 10 is in operation, grain is fed through feed holes 80 andinto an auger (not shown), whose feeding mechanism attaches to housingplate 78 and under a semi circular recess 82 of axle subframe 84. Wheelassemblies other than caster wheel assembly 62 are contemplated.

[0030]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a portion of front lift assembly30 in an extended position. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the portionof front lift assembly 30 in a retracted position. Components in FIGS. 3and 4, identical to components shown in FIG. 2 are identified in FIGS. 3and 4 using the same reference numerals used in FIG. 2. FIG. 3illustrates that in a raised position, sleeves 76 are positionedperpendicularly to the ground. In such a position, caster wheelassemblies 62 and tires 64 are positioned for ground contact, and inconjunction with the aforementioned hydraulics, cause mainframe 12 to belifted for transport.

[0031] Alternatively, and referring to FIG. 4, front lift assembly 30 isshown in a retracted position. To assume the retracted position, thehydraulics cause axle frames 60 and 66 to pivot at pin 68 and sleeve 70.Further, axle frames 60 and 66 are configured such that, as they pivot,sleeves 76 begin to move from a perpendicular position, and mainframe 12(shown in FIG. 1) begins to be lowered to the ground. Once mainframeassumes ground contact, axle frames 60 and 66 continue to pivot, basedupon the travel of the hydraulic system used, to a point where sleeves76 are at an angle between perpendicular and horizontal. In oneembodiment, the angle from perpendicular is about 40 degrees, therebycausing tires 64 to raise from the ground.

[0032] The above is reversed when moving from a retracted position to anextended position. The hydraulics cause axle frames 60 and 66 to againpivot at pin 68 and sleeve 70. As axle frames 60 and 66 pivot, sleeves76 begin to move from the angular position towards the perpendicularposition, causing tires 64 to come into ground contact, which, basedupon the configuration of axle frames 60 and 66 causes a lifting ofmainframe 12 (shown in FIG. 1) from the ground. Axle frames 60 and 66continue to pivot, based upon the travel of the hydraulic system used,to a point where sleeves 76 are perpendicular to the ground andmainframe 12 is in a fully raised position, ready for transport.

[0033]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of rear lift assembly 90. Assembly 90includes a tire 92 to which is connected a caster wheel assembly 94.Caster wheel assembly 94 is attached to an axle frame 96 using a pin 98and sleeve 100 assembly to provide a freely rotating coupling. Axleframe 96 is pivotably connected to rear end 34 of mainframe 12 throughan attachment member 102, which in one embodiment, is non-movablyattached to rear end 34 of mainframe 12. In one embodiment, attachmentmember 102 is welded to rear end 34 of mainframe 12. In an alternativeembodiment, attachment member 102 is molded as part of rear end 34 ofmainframe 12. In still another alternative embodiment, Attachment member102 is configured with a flange which is bolted to rear end 34 ofmainframe 12.

[0034] Axle frame 96 is pivotably attached to attachment member 102through any of a variety of attachment means as known in the art. In theembodiment shown, a plurality of holes 104 in an end portion 106 ofattachment member 102, and a plurality of holes 108 in an end portion110 of axle frame 96, are configured to align as end portion 106 ofattachment member 102 is slidably engaged with end portion 110 of axleframe 96. An attachment means, for example, a pin, extends throughaligned holes 104 and 108 to secure attachment member 102 to axle frame96. In the embodiment, the pin is held in place, for example, withcotter pins, or clips attached to the pin. In an alternative embodiment,the pin is configured with a flange on one end, and a second end isretained using the cotter pin or clip.

[0035] Axle frames 60, 66, and 96, in one specific embodiment, areconfigured for attachment to hydraulically driven pistons (not shown inFIGS. 1, 2, or 5). When the pistons are in an extended position, axleframes 60, 66, and 96 are forced into a position such that mainframe 12is lift from the ground, thereby enabling transport. By retracting thepistons, axle frames 60, 66, and 96 are forced to pivot with respect toaxle subframe 84 and attachment member 102, thereby allowing mainframe12 to lower to the ground for an intended usage. Once mainframe 12 comesinto contact with the ground, the pivoting of axle frames 60, 66, and 96continues, thereby causing tires 64, and 92 to be raised and positionedout of the way of grain truck operators and other users. Those skilledin the art will appreciate that other embodiments of hydraulicallydriven piston arrangements are possible, including a single piston forboth of front axle frames 60 and 66. Alternatively, hydraulics are alsoconfigurable such that extending the piston causes mainframe 12 to belowered and retraction of pistons cause tires 64 and 92 to come intoground contact thereby lifting mainframe 12 for transport.

[0036]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a drive overconveyor pit 130 in a lowered position. Components in FIG. 6, identicalto components shown in FIGS. 1, 2, or 5 are identified in FIG. 6 usingthe same reference numerals used in those Figures. Pit 130, in theembodiment shown, includes a front hydraulic piston 132 which isconfigured to cause front lift assembly 30 to operate as above describedfor raising and lowering at least a portion of mainframe 12. A rearhydraulic piston 134 is configured cause rear lift assembly 90 tooperate as above described, also for raising and lowering at least aportion of mainframe 12. Hydraulic connections to, for example, ahydraulic drive system of a tractor, is not shown.

[0037] Referring to front lift assembly 30 as shown in FIG. 6, it isappreciated that axle frames 60 and 66 are configured to raise tires 64in both a vertical and forward direction. Such a configuration allowspit 130, more specifically, front lift assembly 30, to assume a lowerprofile when in position for intended use (e.g. lowered). A connectionfrom transition housing 28 to a feed chute 140, for example, amechanical connection to a power take-off of a tractor, is also shown.Feed chute 140 is also configured to mechanically attach to a mainconveyor (shown in FIG. 12) of a grain auger to move grain from pit 14through chute 140 to the grain auger for final disposition of the grain.

[0038]FIG. 7 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a drive overconveyor pit 150. Elements in FIG. 7 that are the same as elements inFIG. 1, are identifying using the same reference numerals. Pit 150 issimilar to pit 10 (shown in FIG. 1) in that pit 150 includes mainframe12 which includes grain pit 14 located between and adjacent drive oversections 16. Entrance ramps 18 are pivotably attached to first end 20 ofeach of drive over sections 16, and exit ramps 22 are pivotably attachedto second end 24 of each of drive over sections 16. Hydraulic rear liftassembly 32 is attached to rear end 34 of mainframe 12. Pit 150 furtherincludes a front lift assembly 152.

[0039] Front lift assembly 152 includes an axle assembly 154, a cylinderlinkage attachment 156, a hydraulic cylinder 158, a transition housing160, a pair of left linkage arms 162, and a pair of right linkage arms164. Front lift assembly 152 further includes a pair of caster wheelassemblies 62 on which tires 64 are mounted. Caster wheel assemblies 62engage axle assembly 154 as further described below. In alternativeembodiments, other wheel assemblies may be utilized instead of casterwheel assemblies 62 and tires 64. Feed chute 140 is connected tomainframe 12 for the movement of grain.

[0040]FIG. 8 is an exploded view of front lift assembly 152 of driveover conveyor pit 150 (shown in FIG. 7). Front lift assembly 152includes axle assembly 154 which includes a main member 170. Main member170 has a center portion 172 having a first end 174 and a second end176. A left extension 178 extends at a slight angle from first end 174of center portion 172 at a first end 180 and includes a second end 182,which, in one embodiment includes a sleeve 184 for mounting of casterwheel assembly 62. A right extension 186 extends at a slight angle fromsecond end 176 of center portion 172 at a first end 188 and includes asecond end 190, which, in one embodiment includes a sleeve 192 formounting of a second caster wheel assembly 62.

[0041] A cylinder mounting member 194 extends from center portion 172 ofmain member 170. Cylinder mounting member 194 extends upward from centerportion 172 and includes a mounting hole 196, which is utilized to mountone end of hydraulic cylinder 158. A pair of linkage arm attachmentmembers 198 also extend from main member 170. One member 198 extendsfrom main member 170 near first end 174 and the other member 198 extendsfrom main member 170 near second end 176. Linkage arm attachment members198 extend at an angle from main member 170, and in one embodiment areat an angle between 90 and 180 degrees from cylinder mounting member194. Each member 198 includes a pair of holes 200 therethrough to whichlinkage arms 162 and 164 are pivotably attached.

[0042] In one embodiment, axle assembly 154 is manufactured as a onepiece unit which includes center portion 170, extensions 178, 186,sleeves 184, 192, cylinder mounting member 194, and linkage armattachment members 198. Such a unit is manufactured utilizing a varietyof known manufacturing methods including molding or forging using steel,iron or other metals and alloys. In an alternative embodiment, member170 is assembled from discrete parts, including discrete parts for atleast some of the above listed components, and fastened together withknown fastening methods.

[0043] Transition housing 160 provides attachment for front liftassembly 152 to mainframe 12. In one embodiment, flanges 202 are boltedonto mainframe 12, although other attachment methods can be utilized.Transition housing 160, in the embodiment shown, is essentially arectangular framework having a left side 204 to which left linkage arms162 are pivotably attached, and a right side 206 to which right linkagearms 164 are pivotably attached.

[0044] In one embodiment, left linkage arms 162 include a forward leftlinkage arm 208, and a rear left linkage arm 210. Also, right linkagearms 164 include a forward right linkage arm 212, and a rear rightlinkage arm 214. In addition to attaching to transition housing 160 andlinkage arm attachment members 198, rear left linkage arm 210 and rearright linkage arm 214 are configured for a third pivoting attachmentwhich is a pivoting attachment to cylinder linkage attachment 156. Inone embodiment, rear left linkage arm 210 and rear right linkage arm 214are welded to cylinder linkage attachment 156.

[0045] Cylinder linkage attachment 156 includes a cylinder attachmentportion 216 to attach an opposite end of hydraulic cylinder 158.Operation of cylinder 158 causes a movement of main member 170 withrespect to transition housing 160, and therefore a movement with respectto mainframe 12, based upon the pivoting attachments of linkage arms 162and 164. The result of such movement is a lifting or a lowering ofmainframe 12, based on a ground surface contact of tires 64. Suchoperation is illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10.

[0046]FIG. 9 is a side view of drive over conveyor pit 150 in a loweredposition. As hydraulic cylinder 158 is retracted, the pivoting action oflinkage arms 162, 164 (linkage arms 164 not shown) causes a distancebetween cylinder mounting member 194 and cylinder linkage attachment 156to decrease. The result of the above described pivoting action is thatmainframe 12 lowers with respect to tires 64, and once mainframe 12makes ground contact, continued pivoting action causes tires 64 to belifted from the ground surface. A similar action occurs with rear wheelassembly 32 as is described above.

[0047]FIG. 10 is a side view of the drive over conveyor pit of FIG. 7 ina raised position. As hydraulic cylinder 158 is extended, the pivotingaction of linkage arms 162, 164 (linkage arms 164 not shown) causes adistance between cylinder mounting member 194 and cylinder linkageattachment 156 to increase. The result of the above described pivotingaction is that tires 64 are lowered to the ground, and once tires 64make ground contact, mainframe 12 rises with respect to tires 64.Continued pivoting action causes mainframe 12 to be lifted from theground surface. A similar action occurs with rear wheel assembly 32 asis described above.

[0048] Attachment of feed chute 140 to a grain auger further provides ameans for transport of pit 130 (shown in FIG. 6) as shown in FIG. 11.FIG. 11 is a rear view depicting simultaneous transport of a grain auger220 and drive over conveyor pit 130 using a single tractor 222 or othervehicle, providing a user with a grain transfer system. A track bar 224is attached between pit 130 and a frame member 226 of auger 220. Trackbar 224 allows pit 130 to travel substantially parallel to and alongsideauger 220. In one embodiment, track bar 224 is a telescoping bar. Such atowing arrangement provides a convenience to a user as additionalmechanical connections between grain auger 220 and feed chute 140 ofdrive over pit 130 at tractor 222 are the same connections as used whentransferring grain. As used herein, the term grain auger, includes, butis not limited to, screw-type augers, belt conveyors, chain conveyorsand other implements which are configured for the transfer of grain orother bulk commodities as described herein with respect to grain auger220.

[0049] Configuration of pit 130 with front lift assembly 30 (shown inFIG. 2), rear lift assembly 90 (shown in FIG. 5), and transition housing28 (shown in FIG. 1) provides means for towing pit 130 while connectedto grain auger 220. Further, pit 130 can be towed without having toconfigure pit 130 with a trailer hitching arrangement as in known driveover conveyor pits. Still further, pit 130, incorporating either liftassemblies 30 and 90, or lift assemblies 152 and 90, and configurablefor towing while mechanically connected to grain auger, provides a userwith a safe transport arrangement, as the pit 130 and grain auger 220combination is only slightly wider than typical tractors and vehiclesused for towing such devices.

[0050]FIG. 12 is a view of the grain transfer system in an operatingposition at a grain bin 230. Track bar 224 (shown in FIG. 11) has beenremoved and auger 220 and drive over conveyor pit 10 are positioned foruse. A trailer (not shown) which has a load of grain is able to approachand drive over ramps 18 and ramps 22 and position the bottom hopper (notshown) of the trailer over grain pit 14. Also shown are tires 62 and 92raised and pivoted away from mainframe 12, allowing the trailer to passunobstructed.

[0051]FIG. 13 illustrates another embodiment of a grain auger system300. System 300 includes a driver over pit 301 and a grain auger 200.Pit 301 further includes a mechanical linkage 302 utilized to raisedrive over pit 301 above a portion of grain auger 200 for transport.Mechanical linkage 302 is operated, in one embodiment, by a hydrauliccylinder 304 between a discharge end 308 of feed chute 140 of grainauger 200 and pit 301. Mechanical linkage 302 is mechanically connectedto feed chute 140 with a connecting strap 310, which helps to enablemovement of pit 301 to a position above auger 200. In one embodiment,hydraulic cylinder 304 is actuated by a tractor hydraulic system (notshown).

[0052] Referring to FIG. 14, mechanical linkage 302 is attached to auger200 utilizing a pivot pin 312 connected at a first end 313 of linkage302. Operation of hydraulic cylinder 304 with, for example, a tractorhydraulic system, causes a second end 314 of linkage 302 to move in acircular arc, causing either a raising of pit 301 to a position above aportion of auger 200 for transport, or a lowering of pit 301 to anoperating position. Wheel 316 is attached to pit 301 at an end oppositefeed chute 140 and mechanical linkage 302 for assistance with suchmovement. Drive over conveyor pit 301 is shown in a fully raisedposition on top of grain auger 200. In one embodiment, a latch mechanism318 is used to secure pit 301 on top of auger 200 for road transport. Inone specific embodiment, latch mechanism 318 includes a pin 319 which isinserted through openings in each of mainframe 12 and auger 200.

[0053]FIG. 15 further illustrates operation of mechanical linkage 302 asdrive over conveyor pit 301 is shown in a partially raised position.Linkage 302, when operated upon by hydraulic cylinder 304, serves tolift feed chute 140, and consequently a portion of drive over conveyorpit 301 over auger 200. Another portion of pit 301 rests on wheelassembly 316, which rolls toward auger 200 as mechanical linkage 302continues to travel in the circular arc. As mechanical linkage 302completes travel, pit 301 assumes a position substantially parallel toan auger conveyor 320 of auger 200, and is ready for transport.

[0054]FIG. 16 is a side view of drive over conveyor pit 301 illustratinga hitching mechanism 340. Hitching mechanism 340 is mechanicallyattached to pit 301 at the end opposite feed chute 140 (not shown inFIG. 16). Hitching mechanism 340 is configured to attach to a towingvehicle, for example, a three point hitch of a tractor, and therebyenables transport of both pit 301 and auger 220 utilizing a single towvehicle.

[0055] The incorporation of hydraulics to raise and lower mainframe 12of drive over conveyor pits provides a simple to use drive over grainmovement solution without the drawback of tire removal or jacking as insome known drive over conveyor pits, and without the manual positioningas required in other known swing auger hoppers. Further, the hydraulicsincorporated in the drive over conveyor pit provide an easy setupbetween transport position and operating position in a short period oftime. While the invention has been described in terms of variousspecific embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that theinvention can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scopeof the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A drive over conveyor pit comprising: a mainframecomprising a plurality of drive over sections each comprising a firstend and a second end, a grain pit located between and adjacent to saidplurality of drive over sections, a front, and a rear; a plurality ofentrance ramps, one said ramp pivotably attached to each said first endof said drive over sections; a plurality of exit ramps, one said ramppivotably attached to each said second end of said drive over sections;a hydraulic front lift assembly coupled to said front of said mainframe;and a hydraulic rear lift assembly attached to said rear of saidmainframe.
 2. A drive over conveyor pit according to claim 1 whereinsaid hydraulic front lift assembly and said hydraulic rear lift assemblyare configured to allow said mainframe to be lowered to a groundsurface.
 3. A drive over conveyor pit according to claim 2 wherein saidhydraulic front lift assembly and said hydraulic rear lift assembly areconfigured to raise and pivot away from said mainframe when saidmainframe is lowered and contacts a surface, thereby providing anon-obstructed path across said ramps and said end sections.
 4. A driveover conveyor pit according to claim 3 wherein said hydraulic front liftassembly and said hydraulic rear lift assembly comprise tires mounted onone of a wheel assembly or caster wheel assemblies.
 5. A drive overconveyor pit according to claim 4 wherein said hydraulic front liftassembly comprises an axle frame, said caster wheel assemblies rotatablymounted to said axle frame, said axle frame pivotably mounted to saidtransition housing.
 6. A drive over conveyor pit according to claim 1further comprising a transition housing, said transition housingconfigured to couple said hydraulic front lift assembly to said front ofsaid mainframe.
 7. A drive over conveyor pit according to claim 6wherein said hydraulic front lift assembly comprises: a first casterwheel assembly; a second caster wheel assembly; a left axle frame; and aright axle frame, said first caster wheel assembly rotatably mounted tosaid left axle frame, said second caster wheel assembly rotatablymounted to said right axle frame, said left axle frame and said rightaxle frame pivotably mounted to opposite sides of said transitionhousing.
 8. A drive over conveyor pit according to claim 6 wherein saidtransition housing is configured to connect to a feed chute of a grainauger.
 9. A drive over conveyor pit according to claim 2 wherein saidfront lift assembly comprises: an axle assembly; a cylinder linkageattachment; a hydraulic cylinder extending between and attached to saidaxle assembly and said cylinder linkage attachment; a transition housingconfigured to be attached to said mainframe; a plurality of caster wheelassemblies configured to be rotatably mounted to said axle assembly,said caster wheel assemblies mounted at ends of said axle assembly; aplurality of tires, a respective said tire mounted to a respective saidcaster wheel assembly; and a plurality of linkage arms, said linkagearms pivotably attached to said axle assembly and said transitionhousing, at least one of said linkage arms also being attached to saidcylinder linkage attachment, such that retracting said hydrauliccylinder causes a distance between said axle assembly and said cylinderlinkage attachment to decrease due to the pivoting of said linkage arms,causing the mainframe to lower with respect to said tires, and such thatextending said hydraulic cylinder causes a distance between said axleassembly and said cylinder linkage attachment to increase due to thepivoting of said linkage arms, causing the mainframe to rise withrespect to said tires.
 10. A drive over conveyor pit according to claim9 wherein said axle assembly comprises: a main member comprising acenter portion, a first end, and a second end a left extensioncomprising a first end extending from said first end of said centerportion and a second end comprising a sleeve for mounting of said casterwheel assembly; a right extension comprising a first end extending fromsaid second end of said center portion and a second end comprising asleeve for mounting of a second caster wheel assembly; a cylindermounting member which extends from said center portion of said mainmember, said cylinder mounting member comprising a mounting hole formounting said hydraulic cylinder and configured to extend upward fromsaid center portion; and a pair of linkage arm attachment members whichextend from said main member, one said linkage arm attachment memberextending from said main member near said first end, and another saidlinkage arm attachment member extending from said main member near saidsecond end, said linkage arm attachment members extending at an anglefrom said main member and including a pair of holes therethrough towhich said linkage arms are pivotably attached.
 11. A drive overconveyor pit according to claim 10 wherein said linkage arm attachmentmembers extend from said main member at an angle between 90 and 180degrees from said cylinder mounting member.
 12. A hydraulic liftassembly for a drive over conveyor pit comprising: a plurality of axleframes configured to be pivotably mounted to the drive over conveyorpit; a plurality of caster wheel assemblies configured to be rotatablymounted to said axle frames, one of said caster wheel assembliesrotatably mounted to each said axle frame; a plurality of tires, arespective said tire mounted to a respective said caster wheel assembly;and a hydraulic piston system comprising at least one hydraulic piston,said system attached to said axle frames and configured to cause thedrive over conveyor pit to be raised and lowered through extension andretraction of the piston, extension and retraction of the piston causingsaid axle frames to pivot at the mounting to the pit.
 13. A hydrauliclift assembly according to claim 12 comprising: a transition housing;and two said axle frames, each said axle frame configured to bepivotably mounted to opposite sides of said transition housing.
 14. Ahydraulic lift assembly according to claim 13 wherein said two axleframes are configured to operate through mechanical attachment to asingle hydraulic piston.
 15. A hydraulic lift assembly according toclaim 13 comprising two hydraulic pistons, each said axle frameconfigured to be mechanically attached to one of said pistons, eachpiston and axle frame combination operable separately.
 16. A graintransfer system comprising: a drive over conveyor pit; and a grain augercomprising a feed chute, said drive over conveyor pit comprising: amainframe comprising: a plurality of drive over sections each comprisinga first end and a second end; a grain pit located between and adjacentto said plurality of drive over sections; a front, configured to beattached to said feed chute; and a rear; entrance and exit rampspivotably attached to said drive over sections; a hydraulic front liftassembly attached to said front of said mainframe; and a hydraulic rearlift assembly attached to said rear of said mainframe.
 17. A graintransfer system according to claim 16 wherein said hydraulic front liftassembly and said hydraulic rear lift assembly are configured to allowsaid mainframe to be lowered to a surface.
 18. A grain transfer systemaccording to claim 17 wherein said hydraulic front lift assembly andsaid hydraulic rear lift assembly are configured to lift and pivot whensaid mainframe contacts the surface.
 19. A grain transfer systemaccording to claim 16 wherein said hydraulic front lift assembly andsaid hydraulic rear lift assembly comprise tires mounted on caster wheelassemblies.
 20. A grain transfer system according to claim 19 whereinfor said hydraulic front lift assembly said caster wheel assemblies arerotatably mounted to an axle frame, said axle frame pivotably mounted toa transition housing attached to said mainframe.
 21. A grain transfersystem according to claim 20 wherein said hydraulic front lift assemblycomprises: a first caster wheel assembly; a second caster wheelassembly; a left axle frame; and a right axle frame, said first casterwheel assembly rotatably mounted to said left axle frame, said secondcaster wheel assembly rotatably mounted to said right axle frame, saidleft axle frame and said right axle frame pivotably mounted to oppositesides of said transition housing.
 22. A grain transfer system accordingto claim 16 further comprising a track bar, said auger comprising aframe member, said track bar configured to be attached between saiddrive over conveyor pit and said frame member, said track barconfiguring said system to allow said pit and said auger to be towedsubstantially parallel to one another using a single vehicle.
 23. Agrain transfer system according to claim 17 wherein said hydraulic frontlift assembly comprises: an axle assembly; a cylinder linkageattachment; a hydraulic cylinder extending between and attached to saidaxle assembly and said cylinder linkage attachment; a transition housingconfigured to be attached to a mainframe of the drive over conveyor pit;a plurality of caster wheel assemblies configured to be rotatablymounted to said axle assembly, said caster wheel assemblies mounted atends of said axle assembly; a plurality of tires, a respective said tiremounted to a respective said caster wheel assembly; and a plurality oflinkage arms, said linkage arms pivotably attached to said axle assemblyand said transition housing, at least one of said linkage arms alsobeing attached to said cylinder linkage attachment, such that retractingsaid hydraulic cylinder causes a distance between said axle assembly andsaid cylinder linkage attachment to decrease due to the pivoting of saidlinkage arms, causing the mainframe to lower with respect to said tires,and such that extending said hydraulic cylinder causes a distancebetween said axle assembly and said cylinder linkage attachment toincrease due to the pivoting of said linkage arms, causing the mainframeto rise with respect to said tires.
 24. A grain transfer systemaccording to claim 23 wherein said axle assembly comprises: a mainmember comprising a center portion, a first end, and a second end a leftextension comprising a first end extending from said first end of saidcenter portion and a second end comprising a sleeve for mounting of saidcaster wheel assembly; a right extension comprising a first endextending from said second end of said center portion and a second endcomprising a sleeve for mounting of a second caster wheel assembly; acylinder mounting member which extends from said center portion of saidmain member, said cylinder mounting member comprising a mounting holefor mounting said hydraulic cylinder and configured to extend upwardfrom said center portion; and a pair of linkage arm attachment memberswhich extend from said main member, one said linkage arm attachmentmember extending from said main member near said first end, and anothersaid linkage arm attachment member extending from said main member nearsaid second end, said linkage arm attachment members extending at anangle from said main member and including a pair of holes therethroughto which said linkage arms are pivotably attached.
 25. A grain transfersystem comprising: a drive over conveyor pit; and a grain augercomprising a feed chute, said drive over conveyor pit comprising, amainframe comprising: a plurality of drive over sections each comprisinga first end and a second end; a grain pit located between and adjacentto said plurality of drive over sections; a front; and a rear; entranceand exit ramps pivotably attached to said drive over sections; ahydraulic front lift assembly attached to said front of said mainframe;and a hydraulic rear lift assembly attached to said rear of saidmainframe.
 26. A grain transfer system comprising: a drive over conveyorpit; and a grain auger comprising a feed chute, said feed chutecomprising a discharge end, said drive over conveyor pit comprising: amainframe comprising: a plurality of drive over sections each comprisinga first end and a second end; a grain pit located between and adjacentto said plurality of drive over sections; a front; and a rear; entranceand exit ramps pivotably attached to said drive over sections; and amechanical linkage comprising a first end and a second end, said linkageintermediate said auger and said discharge end of said feed chute, saidfeed chute mechanically attached to said drive over conveyor pit, saidmechanical linkage configured to raise said feed chute and said driveover conveyor pit above a portion of said grain auger for transport. 27.A grain transfer system according to claim 26 further comprising ahydraulic cylinder mechanically attached to said mechanical linkage. 28.A grain transfer system according to claim 27 further comprising a pivotpin, said pivot pin configured to mechanically connect said mechanicallinkage to said auger at said first end of said linkage.
 29. A graintransfer system according to claim 28 further comprising a connectingstrap, said strap configured to mechanically connect said second end ofsaid mechanical linkage to said feed chute, said connecting strapconfigured to enable movement of said drive over conveyor pit to aposition above said grain auger.
 30. A grain transfer system accordingto claim 29 wherein said hydraulic cylinder is configured to cause saidsecond end of said mechanical linkage to move in a circular arc, themovement of said second end causing at least one of said drive overconveyor pit to raise to a position above a portion of said grain augerfor transport, and a lowering of said drive over conveyor pit from theposition above the portion of said grain auger to an operating position.31. A grain transfer system according to claim 30 further comprising awheel assembly, said wheel assembly attached to said drive over conveyorpit at an end opposite said feed chute and said mechanical linkage. 32.A grain transfer system according to claim 26 wherein said drive overconveyor pit comprises a hitching mechanism, said hitching mechanismattached to said drive over conveyor pit at an end opposite said feedchute and said mechanical linkage, said hitching mechanism configured toattach to a towing vehicle.
 33. A grain transfer system according toclaim 26 wherein said hitching mechanism is configured to attach to athree point hitch of a tractor.
 34. A front lift assembly for a driveover conveyor pit comprising: an axle assembly; a cylinder linkageattachment; a hydraulic cylinder extending between and attached to saidaxle assembly and said cylinder linkage attachment; a transition housingconfigured to be attached to a mainframe of the drive over conveyor pit;a plurality of caster wheel assemblies configured to be rotatablymounted to said axle assembly, said caster wheel assemblies mounted atends of said axle assembly; a plurality of tires, a respective said tiremounted to a respective said caster wheel assembly; and a plurality oflinkage arms, said linkage arms pivotably attached to said axle assemblyand said transition housing, at least one of said linkage arms alsobeing attached to said cylinder linkage attachment, such that retractingsaid hydraulic cylinder causes a distance between said axle assembly andsaid cylinder linkage attachment to decrease due to the pivoting of saidlinkage arms, causing the mainframe to lower with respect to said tires,and such that extending said hydraulic cylinder causes a distancebetween said axle assembly and said cylinder linkage attachment toincrease due to the pivoting of said linkage arms, causing the mainframeto rise with respect to said tires.
 35. A front lift assembly accordingto claim 34 wherein said axle assembly comprises: a main membercomprising a center portion, a first end, and a second end a leftextension comprising a first end extending from said first end of saidcenter portion and a second end comprising a sleeve for mounting of saidcaster wheel assembly; a right extension comprising a first endextending from said second end of said center portion and a second endcomprising a sleeve for mounting of a second caster wheel assembly; acylinder mounting member which extends from said center portion of saidmain member, said cylinder mounting member comprising a mounting holefor mounting said hydraulic cylinder and configured to extend upwardfrom said center portion; and a pair of linkage arm attachment memberswhich extend from said main member, one said linkage arm attachmentmember extending from said main member near said first end, and anothersaid linkage arm attachment member extending from said main member nearsaid second end, said linkage arm attachment members extending at anangle from said main member and including a pair of holes therethroughto which said linkage arms are pivotably attached.
 36. A front liftassembly according to claim 35 wherein said linkage arm attachmentmembers extend from said main member at an angle between 90 and 180degrees from said cylinder mounting member.
 37. A front lift assemblyaccording to claim 35 wherein said axle assembly is manufactured as aone piece unit.